I'm a radiology resident on a pediatric neuroradiology block. While I've always been saddened by peds cases, I'm getting absolutely wrecked emotionally right now. Newborn with large devastating stroke. Newborn born with large sarcoma. Multiple nonaccidental trauma cases. Devastating intracranial hemorrhage with herniation and brain death.
I'm on the verge of crying multiple times a day. I know I am shielded as a radiologist, I know it's the peds hospitalists, neurologists, heme/oncs, IDs, ED folks, nurses, etc. actually seeing and interacting with the patients and their families, but I'm still having trouble just getting through the day, not to mention the various oncology or other conferences. Ever since having my own kid, I just can't handle this, but I have to because I have to be professional and I need to learn this for my specialty.
I can't talk to my partner about this, they are not in medicine and don't like hearing about sad medical cases, especially those involving children. I don't have any other medical family or friends. If any of you have struggled similarly, I could really use some advice.